IllustrationAIR BAG LIGHT PASS. SIDE CAME ON. *TR
2007 Mazda MAZDA3
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most MAZDA3 years
Owner complaints for the 2007 Mazda MAZDA3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 108.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all MAZDA3 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
270–25K
3325–50K
3250–75K
3475–100K
39100–150K
18150K+
183 reports with mileage · 39 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
28 crash reports3 fire reports16 injury reports
What owners actually said
222 reportsWHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FORM A STOP MY CAR STALLED. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF BUT THE RADIO AND ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASH. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND RESTART THE ENGINE. MY CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES ALL AT SIMILAR SPEEDS. GOING FROM A …
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WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FORM A STOP MY CAR STALLED. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF BUT THE RADIO AND ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASH. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND RESTART THE ENGINE. MY CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES ALL AT SIMILAR SPEEDS. GOING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR FROM IDLING SPEED TRYING TO ACCELERATE. *TR
EVERY 3 MONTHS FRONT HEADLIGHT ARE REPLACED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HIS FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. A POLICE REPORT WAS A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HIS FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. A POLICE REPORT WAS ALSO AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK AFTER ENGAGING IT TO MERGE ONTO FREEWAY. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. BRAKES BARELY SLOWED ACCELERATION. THREW VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP ACCELERATION. WHEN VEHICLE PUT BACK IN DRIVE, PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. WHEN TAKEN IN TO MECHANIC, FOUND TO BE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 48 MPH, A POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. A STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ALSO BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE CONTINUED UPON RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 48 MPH, A POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. A STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ALSO BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE CONTINUED UPON RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/22/12 *BF UPDATED 03/01/12
IN MARCH 2008, MY VEHICLE HAD WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON FOR BOTH THE SEAT BELT AND ABS SYSTEM. THE DEALER CLEARED THE CODE AND CHECKED THE SYSTEM FOR ERRORS. NO CODES RE-OCCURRED AND THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. SUBSEQUENTLY IN DECEMBER 2008, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALER ADJUSTED SOME WIRING AND CLEARED THE LIGHT/C…
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IN MARCH 2008, MY VEHICLE HAD WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON FOR BOTH THE SEAT BELT AND ABS SYSTEM. THE DEALER CLEARED THE CODE AND CHECKED THE SYSTEM FOR ERRORS. NO CODES RE-OCCURRED AND THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. SUBSEQUENTLY IN DECEMBER 2008, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALER ADJUSTED SOME WIRING AND CLEARED THE LIGHT/CODE. NOW IN SEPTEMBER 2011, THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. *TR
MY 2007 MAZDA 3 LOST POWER STEERING WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE TWO TIMES WITHIN A WEEK MAKING IT DANGEROUSLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE PROBLEM DID NOT PERSIST UNTIL RECENTLY, (4 MONTHS LATER) AND NOW I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING COMPLETELY. THE POWER STEERING INDICATION LIGHT STAYS ON AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE RECENTLY …
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MY 2007 MAZDA 3 LOST POWER STEERING WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE TWO TIMES WITHIN A WEEK MAKING IT DANGEROUSLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE PROBLEM DID NOT PERSIST UNTIL RECENTLY, (4 MONTHS LATER) AND NOW I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING COMPLETELY. THE POWER STEERING INDICATION LIGHT STAYS ON AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE RECENTLY WAS A RECALL ON 2007 MAZDA3 FOR POWER STEERING ISSUES, BUT MY VIN SEEMS TO BE OUTSIDE THE RANGE OF THE RECALL. MAZDA SHOULD ACCOMMODATE ALL 2007 MAZDA3S WITH POWER STEERING ISSUES BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDE SPREAD THAN PROBABLY EXPECTED AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO LOSE POWER STEERING WHILE GOING 40+ MPH. SINCE MY VIN IS NOT IN THE RECALL RANGE, IT IS COSTING ME $1100 FOR A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP. MY 2007 MAZDA3 AND ALL OTHER 2007 MAZDA3 SHOULD BE INCLUDE IN THE RECALL. IT IS NOT FAIR TO ACCOMMODATE ONLY SOME 2007 MAZDA3 AND NOT OTHERS FOR THE SAME DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP. *TR
I HAVE A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES. LUCKILY THAT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT 80,000 MILES, I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD AGAIN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR THE FIRST TIME IT WAS BUSY-SHIFTING HARD FROM 4TH TO 3RD GEAR WHEN GOING UP LARGE HILLS. THIS WO…
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I HAVE A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES. LUCKILY THAT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT 80,000 MILES, I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD AGAIN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR THE FIRST TIME IT WAS BUSY-SHIFTING HARD FROM 4TH TO 3RD GEAR WHEN GOING UP LARGE HILLS. THIS WORE ON THE ENGINE AND CRACKED THE CV BOOT. AFTER REPLACEMENT, THIS ISSUE NO LONGER OCCURED. NOW, AT 80,000 MILES, SECOND GEAR HAS TOTALLY GIVEN OUT, IT SKIPS SECOND AND SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 3RD. THEY SAY IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN... AFTER JUST 30,000 MILES. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR! MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND THE WARRANTY ON THAT TRANSMISSION IS APPARENTLY EXPIRED AS WELL... PLEASE RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS... IT IS NOT FAIR TO THE CUSTOMER.
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE 2007 MAZDA3. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED ON THE LIST OF RECALLS. THERE ARE MORE THAN 215,000 MAZDA'S THAT HAVE OR WILL BE REPAIRED, HOWEVER I AM REQUIRED TO PAY A LARGE REPAIR BILL TO FIX …
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THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE 2007 MAZDA3. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED ON THE LIST OF RECALLS. THERE ARE MORE THAN 215,000 MAZDA'S THAT HAVE OR WILL BE REPAIRED, HOWEVER I AM REQUIRED TO PAY A LARGE REPAIR BILL TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT MAZDA KNOWS IS THEIR PROBLEM. *TR
Official recalls
221V494000 · Air Bags:frontal
Jul 1, 2021
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.
10V374000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Aug 12, 2010
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE10021 · Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist
Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Nov 29, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Steering
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.